WHEN THE DUST SETTLESWritten by Bronwyn Hill
WHEN THE DUST SETTLES!Many recorded cases, where exposure to toxins, airborne pollutants and wood dust, among many other chemicals, are awakening our awareness of a very real and serious risk to our future health and our very right to live a normal healthy life with our family. Occupational respiratory illnesses can occur whenever dust, fumes, vapor or smoke are present in work environment. Early recognition, wearing effective safety repiratory equipment, and being aware of risks of these diseases, may help prevent permanent impairment and disability. There are many articles and statistics, and real life cases documented, to make us realize that it is becoming alarmingly obvious that we cannot afford to ignore, or be lethargic in our approach to our health. If we do not take time to look into what we are exposing ourselves and our family to everyday, in workplace and even in our own homes, we are paying a high price that could be putting serious risk on our loved ones lives. Major risks to our health come in form of occupational asthma and other serious respiratory diseases which can be linked to exposure to toxics and dust in home workshops, factories, workplaces, even around our homes, where there is dust and airborne pollutants present. A major concern is our children who are at risk of contracting potential killer diseases through our ignorance to dangers of dusts etc we carry home on our work clothes. Cases are documented where children have contacted serious diseases from contact with their parents clothes, hair and even furniture they sit on, which are contaminated with dust and toxins from their workplace.
| | 7 Steps to Protect Yourself from the Winter SunWritten by Roger Carr
What outdoor activities did you do this past summer? Maybe you went on a vacation to beach. Maybe you spent some time playing your favorite sports such as baseball, golf, or tennis. Maybe you went swimming or had a barbeque in backyard with family and friends. Regardless of outdoor activities you did over summer, most likely you were aware that it was important to protect yourself from sun while outdoors.Now winter is approaching. I am turning my attention to putting away my summer items to make room for winter ones; long sleeve shirts for short sleeve ones, corduroy pants for shorts, and boots for sandals. Most of sports equipment I have been using is going to get put away as well. But what about those items I have been using to protect myself from sun? Things like my sunscreens, sunglasses, and sun protective hats and clothing. You may be putting these items away and not using them during winter. The National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention reported in their January 2003 newsletter that research shows only 3 percent of Americans routinely wear sunscreen during fall months, and only 2 percent during winter months. However, you can still get a sunburn and snow blindness during these months. The colder temperatures do not block UV rays and reflections off snow and higher altitudes can make matters even worse. You may be causing yourself significant, long-term damage by not properly protecting yourself. How do you protect yourself from winter sun (or any other season)? Follow these simple sun safety action steps recommended by US Environmental Protection Agency: 1. Limit Time in Midday Sun - The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit exposure to sun during these hours.
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